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Applications include monitoring health-related compounds, e.g. acetone for diabetes or nitric oxide for asthma, detecting breath compounds such as alcohol.
About
Technology The system utilizes volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis and micro electrical mechanical systems (MEMS) integrated with standard integrated circuit technology (i.e. CMOS), as well as CMOS-compatible modules to deliver broadly applicable chemical sensing capability. Components of the invention include a VOC pre-concentration module, CMOS ionization source, gas pumping module, gas-phase chemical separation and biomarker detection module, and mathematical interpretation of the data outputs. The resulting portable device can offer a comprehensive look at a user's exhaled breath chemicals and track changes over time to inform the user of health-related chemical levels. For example, a certain breath nitric oxide concentration could indicate a pulmonary inflammation or bronchial constriction. By monitoring this information throughout the day, subjects can provide information to their physician that can help doctors develop more tailored drug regimens based on specific patient needs. In addition to personal use, the device could potentially be used by first responders and other healthcare professionals to diagnose certain infections (lung infections, cystic fibrosis, etc.) or to detect specific drugs or types of poisoning.